3rd Feb 2012

As Sport Relief fever takes hold, TV presenter and national treasure Lorraine Kelly has taken the time to see for herself how money raised by the public is making a difference in Scotland.

 Lorraine visited the Sport Relief funded Princes Royal Trust Angus Carers Centre in Arbroath to meet some inspirational young carers.

Despite their age, some children and young people have to look after a parent with a disability or a mental health problem, as well as caring for younger siblings. Angus Carers Centre helps young carers to cope with these responsibilities and pressures which can lead to underachievement at school, ill health and simply missing out on the chance to enjoy their childhood.

Lorraine got to meet mum Sam and her children at Angus Carers Centre. Sam’s three-year-old son Keane was born with a rare chromosomal disorder, which means he can’t feel pain and has severe learning difficulties. With Keane’s dad serving in the army, Sam and her two older children have to pull together and face enormous challenges to make sure Keane stays safe.

Sam explains the affects on her older sons TJ and Jenson: “After they’ve done their homework, they keep an eye on Keane for me. They also help with the vacuuming, emptying the dishwasher and keeping their rooms tidy. I feel guilty they’re not out with their friends, as they tend to stay in so they can help me.”

Angus Carers Centre, which has had a grant thanks to money raised through Sport Relief, provides the few opportunities Keane’s big brothers get to have fun and talk to other children going through similar situations.

Lorraine said: “It’s really inspiring to meet these amazing young carers who come together at the Angus Carers Centre and simply get the chance to be kids and have fun. It’s clear they all have something in common with regards to responsibilities and pressures at home and this is a haven for them, even a lifeline in some cases.”

Lorraine joined in some cup-cake decorating activities with the young carers and added: “It’s great to see firsthand the work that Sport Relief funds here in Scotland. The amazing young carers I met in Arbroath are proof that the money you raise really does help people.

“You can enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in Glasgow or Edinburgh on Sunday 25th March – I’ll be taking part in the Glasgow Mile myself! And there are lots of other Mile events across Scotland too. You don’t have to be sporty, the most important thing is that you will be having fun whilst raising money to change lives here in Scotland, across the UK and the world’s poorest countries.”

To join Lorraine and make a massive difference to vulnerable people’s lives, enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile right here.
 

Enter the Mile!